Motorsport and sim racing news

MOZA has revealed its first officially licensed controller dedicated to motorcycle sim racing during Gamescom 2026. Departing from standard steering wheel setups, the hardware features a complete motorcycle handlebar layout engineered to mount directly onto MOZA's line of direct drive wheelbases. The controller is equipped with front brake and clutch levers, a twist throttle, ten illuminated buttons, an integrated LED RPM bar, a directional pad, and a five-position switch. Beneath the left grip, an analog lever serves as a rear brake control. Force feedback is driven through the wheelbase, delivering feedback torque ranging from 3.9 Nm up to 25 Nm depending on the base model attached. Sim racers will be able to customize their ergonomic setup by adjusting throttle, brake, and clutch positioning, alongside handlebar width and angle. The unit provides two operational modes: one translating standard steering rotation and another simulating bike lean to deliver realistic countersteering behavior. MOZA confirmed that the handlebar controller will support multiple titles, including Ride, MotoGP, Live For Speed, Assetto Corsa, TrackDayR, BeamNG.drive, and The Crew Motorfest. The product is scheduled for release toward the end of this year.

MOZA Racing has showcased a new lineup of officially licensed sim racing steering wheels at the Gamescom 2026 expo. Developed in collaboration with Porsche, Ford, and Mercedes, the new hardware line expands the manufacturer's ecosystem with several authentic automotive designs. The flagship offering is modeled after the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. MOZA utilized original Porsche CAD data to replicate the geometry of the production sports car's steering wheel accurately. A key feature of the rim is a removable central display unit, giving drivers the option to switch between an integrated digital dashboard interface and a classic screen-free appearance. For American muscle enthusiasts, the Ford Mustang GTD wheel brings an adapted version of the production supercar's rim into the simulator. To suit the requirements of sim racing, MOZA added extra control buttons and enlarged the shift paddles for improved accessibility during competition. The Mercedes partnership includes two distinct models. One is designed in a GT and formula layout, featuring a compact display screen alongside control buttons. The second option is a rounded, multi-purpose wheel equipped with displays integrated directly into the rotary encoders as well as a central screen. Detailed pricing and exact launch dates have not yet been announced, though MOZA expects the Mercedes hardware to hit the market in the first half of 2027.

SCS Software has revealed initial details regarding the upcoming Coaches DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. The expansion is set to introduce a full-fledged bus driving mode, allowing players to handle scheduled passenger routes across the existing virtual map. Buses will be available for purchase through an integrated online dealership offering financing and credit options. Once bought, vehicles can be stored in player garages and heavily customized. Upgrades and aesthetic changes include chassis choices, engines, transmissions, interior upholstery, curtains, cabin lighting, exterior liveries, and additional accessories, with select parts unlocking as players progress through the game. Gameplay will support both free exploration across the Euro Truck Simulator 2 road network and structured missions. Under Contract Jobs, drivers can evaluate assignments based on projected earnings and difficulty before driving to the designated bus terminal to begin a trip. Payouts and overall rewards will reflect driving safety and adherence to scheduled timetables. A release date for the expansion has not yet been announced.

Kunos Simulazioni has revealed details about the upcoming free content update for Assetto Corsa EVO. Version 0.9 is scheduled to introduce three new cars in the coming weeks and is anticipated to be one of the final major content drops before the simulator leaves early access. The GT2 class roster will expand with the inclusion of the Audi R8 LMS GT2, complementing existing machinery in the category such as the KTM X-Bow GT2, Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport Evo Kit, and Porsche 935. Alongside the race car, Audi will also be represented in the road car category by the Audi R8 V10 Performance quattro, which produces 612 hp from its ten-cylinder engine, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, and reaches a top speed near 330 km/h. The third vehicle arriving in the patch is the Mazda RX-7 FD Spirit R Type A, the ultimate iteration of the Japanese sports car from 2002, which returns to the franchise following its original appearance in Assetto Corsa. No new circuits are planned for version 0.9, as Kunos continues its approach of alternating between track-focused and car-focused updates during the early access cycle.

Publisher Focus Entertainment has officially revealed CLUTCH, a new open-world racing game developed by Maverick Games. The project is scheduled to launch in spring 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game represents Focus Entertainment's first major foray into the open-world racing genre. The publisher is already established in the automotive space through projects such as TrackMania, SnowRunner, and RoadCraft. Development is led by Maverick Games, an outfit staffed by racing game veterans. Notably, the team includes Mike Brown, who previously served as creative director on the Forza Horizon franchise. Focus Entertainment aims to build CLUTCH into a significant franchise, promising an open world, diverse race events, and a narrative-driven experience. Further details about the project are expected closer to its release window, with Maverick Games and Focus Entertainment also planning additional showcases at Gamescom.

The developers of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown have announced that Season 7 will arrive on 2 September. Focused on Japanese car culture, the upcoming content drop adds six new vehicles to the roster, marking the debut of both Mitsubishi and Mazda in the game. The update includes several iconic sports cars distributed across the Solar Pass progression and in-game stores. Players will be able to unlock the 2011 Nissan 370Z Nismo at tier 1 of the Solar Pass, the 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II at tier 15, and the 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV at tier 50. The 1994 Mazda RX-7 FD3S will be sold directly at the dealership, while the 2025 BMW M3 GT3 EVO and the Volkswagen Beetle Buggy Holiday Edition will join the online store. Beyond the car lineup, the update introduces a dedicated tab for rapid access to live events, simplifying participation in daily and seasonal challenges. Customisation options expand as well, allowing drivers to remove rear spoilers on select models such as the Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, Nissan GT-R R35, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV, and Audi TT RS. Gameplay adjustments and technical additions feature improved grip handling for hypercars, the installation of a pit lane on the Hong Kong Island circuit, and updated 3D speed cameras and checkpoints. A subsequent mid-season patch is also scheduled to deliver wheel rim resizing and new third-person camera angles.

Developer SCS Software has revealed the first details of an upcoming game mode titled Road Trip for American Truck Simulator. The new feature will expand the simulator's gameplay, allowing players to explore the virtual open world behind the wheel of passenger cars alongside traditional heavy trucks. The vehicle purchasing experience will differ from the existing truck acquisition system. Players will first select a manufacturer before browsing available models. The dealership interface will offer two distinct display views: a comprehensive catalog detailing individual vehicle specifications, and a comparative table designed to quickly evaluate multiple models side by side. Once acquired, passenger cars will be stored in a dedicated garage space where players can customize them. Available modifications include repainting, installing custom exterior components, and personalizing the interior. SCS Software has not yet announced an official release date for the Road Trip mode.

Sim racing peripheral manufacturer MOZA Racing has revealed initial teaser images of a new steering wheel developed in collaboration with Ford, replicating the wheel of the Ford Mustang GTD. While visual previews have been shared showcasing an officially licensed design, full technical specifications, pricing, and release dates have not yet been disclosed. The reveal coincides with Gamescom, an event where MOZA traditionally presents significant hardware updates. In previous appearances at the expo, the manufacturer introduced wheelbases including the R21 Ultra and R25 Ultra, alongside licensed replica steering wheels for the Porsche Mission R and Lamborghini Revuelto. Following MOZA's recent partnership announcement with the Gran Turismo World Series, the upcoming wheel is widely expected to feature PlayStation compatibility alongside standard platform support. Detailed specifications, platform availability, and retail pricing are scheduled to be revealed during the event.

Publisher Nacon has announced the release date for Gear.Club Unlimited 3 across PC and current-generation consoles. Following an exclusivity period on the Nintendo Switch 2, the racing title is scheduled to arrive on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on 8 October 2026. The game centers around collecting, tuning, and racing licensed sports cars and supercars across two key regions: the southern coast of France and Japan. Players will have access to more than 40 real-world vehicles and around 50 track layout configurations. New features include a dedicated cockpit camera view, an open-world free-roam mode, and a "Highway Rush" mode styled after No Hesi traffic weaving. On PC, Gear.Club Unlimited 3 will feature enhanced visuals leveraging path tracing technology to deliver more realistic lighting and shadows. Console ports will be built on the foundation of the Switch 2 version, which already targets a steady 60 frames per second, though specific resolution and frame rate targets for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S have not yet been detailed. A Digital Deluxe Edition will grant players early access starting 5 October. The package includes an exclusive customization pack, a career mode starter kit, and three bonus cars: the Bugatti Mistral, Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo, and Nissan 370Z Nismo.

Publisher Nacon has confirmed that MXGP 26, the official simulation of the FIM Motocross World Championship, will launch on 1 October 2026. The announcement was accompanied by a new gameplay showcase highlighting the latest iteration of the franchise. Developed by Artefacts Studio, MXGP 26 represents Nacon's second official motocross championship title. Following the lukewarm reception of the 2024 edition, the publisher opted to pause the series to rebuild the game on Unreal Engine 5 while fundamentally reworking the underlying simulation physics. The upcoming title introduces an extensive rider customisation suite featuring officially licensed gear, spanning helmets, boots, pants, jerseys, gloves, and goggles. Artefacts Studio has also replaced placeholder engine audio with final recordings, implemented flexible field-of-view camera adjustments, and detailed the interactive paddock environments. Pre-orders will include exclusive liveries created by Scrubdesignz. In addition, players who purchase the Fox Holeshot Edition will gain early access to the game starting 28 September.

Publisher Nacon has announced a delay for the upcoming racing simulator Endurance Motorsport Series, pushing its release back to spring 2027. The title is scheduled to arrive on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. According to the development team, the extended timeline is necessary to fully refine the game's online features. A central feature of the project is its hybrid gameplay mechanic. In addition to direct driving on the circuit, players will be able to step into the role of a race engineer and strategist. This involves coordinating pit stop sequences, adjusting tactical plans, and managing traffic across multiple car classes concurrently. Multiplayer will feature two primary modes. A cooperative PvE format will enable three players to form a single entry and compete in long-distance endurance events against AI opponents, up to full 24-hour race durations. The competitive PvP mode will focus on team-versus-team multiplayer battles, with closed testing planned in the near future. The development team is also evaluating cross-platform play, although full day-one crossplay support has not yet been guaranteed. Alongside the development update, creators highlighted a fictional circuit named Khor Promenade, set in Dubai. The venue showcases regional architectural landmarks and features a custom underwater tunnel section.

Publisher Nacon has officially confirmed that a new licensed rally simulator in the World Rally Championship series is slated for release in late 2027. The project is being developed by Grit Games on Unreal Engine. According to the creators, this is not an iteration or direct continuation of the earlier entries created by KT Racing, but a complete reimagining built virtually from the ground up. To ensure realistic handling and visual authenticity, the development team has partnered with French rally specialist PH Sport. The collaboration has involved detailed 3D scanning of actual rally machinery as well as capturing reference audio and engineering data to enhance vehicle modeling accuracy. The reveal preview highlighted an eclectic selection of rally machinery, ranging from historic icons to modern contenders. Featured cars include the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, Citroën Saxo Kit Car, DS3 Rally2/WRC, Citroën C3 Rally2, Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, and Peugeot 208 Rally4. The final release is expected to feature a comprehensive lineup covering the WRC, WRC2, and Junior WRC categories. More details and footage are available via the official announcement.